Governor, Lt. Gov. encourage Iowans to get involved through boards and commissions

December 20, 2012

DES MOINES) Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today encouraged Iowans to get involved with their government through the boards and commissions process.

The pair highlighted the more than 180 boards and commissions that advise all areas of state government, from the governor's office to the Legislature, as well as state agencies.

This spring, more than 225 positions on Senate-confirmed boards and commissions will see their terms expire, and the governor and lieutenant governor hope many Iowans will apply to fill the vacancies.

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Iowa Governor Terry Branstad

Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds

Among those board positions are spots on high-profile boards such as the Regents and Transportation Commission, but also dozens of licensing boards and advisory boards for departments and policy initiatives.

"Iowans can achieve great things by serving on a board or commission," said Gov. Branstad. "Boards and commissions are often where the rubber meets the road helping create policy to the implementation of administrative rules."

A listing of all state boards and commissions, along with current openings, is found here: openup.iowa.gov/.

Lt. Gov. Reynolds says it's a great way for Iowans to get involved, and knows firsthand, as she was selected by Gov. Branstad to serve on the IPERS Investment Board in the '90s.

"We encourage all Iowans who are interested in being a part of citizen government to submit an application," said Reynolds. "This is a wonderful way for Iowans across the state to be involved, help to hold their government accountable, and implement and maintain a government delivery system that is commonsense, and works well for its citizens."

State law requires that all boards and commission be balanced according to gender and political affiliation. In addition, geographic and ethnic diversity are taken into consideration during the appointment process.